little dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little dark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, mood, or environment that is somewhat gloomy or lacking in light. Example: "The room felt a little dark, making it hard to read the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Not just a little dark.

The New Yorker

"It sounds a little dark," they said.

The New Yorker

"Things felt a little dark.

The New York Times

"Like I was a little dark object".

The New York Times

"It is a little dark," he concedes.

The Guardian - Film

"You can see little dark streaks".

The New York Times

"Stravinsky can be a little dark," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why couldn't he escape that little dark corner?

Independent

Grate a little dark chocolate over the top to serve.

Independent

Come sunset, however, the secret gets a little dark.

The New York Times

But Church was not without a little dark humor.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environments or atmospheres, use "little dark" to subtly convey a sense of mystery or foreboding, without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "little dark" when describing things intended to be bright or cheerful. It's better suited for conveying a sense of dimness, gloom, or slight negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little dark" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It is used to describe a noun, indicating a quality of slight darkness or dimness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little dark" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that is slightly lacking in light or has a somewhat gloomy atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news and media sources, as well as general-interest articles. When writing, it's best used to subtly convey a sense of mystery or dimness, avoiding overuse in overtly positive contexts. Alternatives such as "slightly dim" or "somewhat gloomy" can provide nuanced substitutes, as required by the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly dim

Focuses on the lack of light, minimizing the negative connotation.

somewhat gloomy

Emphasizes the emotional or atmospheric sense of darkness.

a bit shadowy

Highlights the presence of shadows, implying reduced light.

a touch dusky

Suggests a darkening hue, particularly at twilight.

marginally obscure

Indicates a slight lack of clarity or visibility.

partially unlit

Directly addresses the absence of illumination in a portion of the area.

kind of shaded

Implies protection from direct light, resulting in dimness.

fairly muted

Describes a softening or reduction of light intensity.

subtly darkened

Highlights a gradual or gentle reduction in brightness.

faintly obscure

Suggests that something is not clear due to a small amount of darkness.

FAQs

How can I use "little dark" in a sentence?

You can use "little dark" to describe something that lacks brightness or has a slightly ominous feel. For example, "The room was a little dark, so I turned on the lamp." or "The story took a little dark turn in the second act".

What are some alternatives to "little dark"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "slightly dim", "somewhat gloomy", or "a bit shadowy".

Is it appropriate to use "little dark" in formal writing?

While "little dark" is grammatically correct, it might be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise or nuanced language to convey the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "little dark" and "very dark"?

"Little dark" implies a slight or subtle lack of light, while "very dark" suggests a significant absence of light. The choice depends on the degree of darkness you wish to convey.